Big D is brash, stylish and cosmopolitan with soaring modern skyscrapers. As the fourth-largest metro area in the United States, and with more than $20 billion in urban development underway, 20 square blocks of artistic and cultural destinations in the Arts District, a battalion of celebrity chefs, the Southwest's best shopping and a national sports spotlight year-round - no wonder they say “Big things happen here”.

One of the most obvious results of the downtown revitalization is the transportation and infrastructure improvement. In Dallas the DART Orange Line now connects the airport to downtown – and it costs just $2.50! The investment in the city centre is also generating stellar dining, shopping, arts, culture and entertainment options.

The city’s many entertainment districts meet any visitor’s needs. From family-friendly offerings and quaint settings to vibrant nightlife and exciting atmospheres - you can see and do it all in Dallas’ various neighborhoods. Plus Dallas has the largest contiguous urban arts district in the United States with more than 160 museums, art galleries and artistic attractions. Explore world class exhibits at the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Centre and the Crow Collection of Asian Art. The new Perot Museum of Nature and Science is state of the art, hands on and it inspires curiosity in all ages.

As well as its top museums, performance halls and award-winning architectural designs - the festivals, exhibitions, shows and performances featured in the city throughout the year are sure to enhance any trip to Dallas.

Dallas also has amazing facilities for sporting events and five major sports teams play in Dallas – and the great news is that the ticket prices are affordable. The Dallas Cowboys NFL team plays at the AT&T Stadium and the NHL hockey team is the exciting Dallas Stars.

Dallas has more than 6,000 restaurant options in the metropolitan area. Though you will find the Texan favorites of steak houses, barbecue and Tex Mex, Dallas restaurants offer much more than that. Food is a passion here and you’ll be surprised by fresh seafood, eclectic bistros and fantastic world cuisines ranging from Brazilian to Indian to European. Just one example is Fearing’s Restaurant which is found at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Dallas. It is home of the “Bold Flavors, No Borders” cuisine promoted by celebrity chef Dean Fearing, who has been dubbed the “Father of Southwestern Cuisine”. As an indication of the high standard of Dallas cuisine - Fearings Restaurant was voted #1 in Hotel Dining in the U.S.by the Zagat Survey, and it has accrued a host of other accolades.

There are also numerous shopping venues - Dallas has something for everyone with boutiques, upscale fashion and International stores. Plus Duty Free Shopping makes it a Shopping Mecca - International shoppers can receive full refunds on Texas sales tax.

Named as one of the "7 Retail Wonders of the Modern World" by Shopping Centers Today, NorthPark Center in Dallas offers an unparalleled luxury shopping experience with over 235 unique retailers, restaurants and legendary department stores.

NorthPark Center boasts a spectacular collection of stores and restaurants representing the finest in luxury and trendsetting retailers. In addition NorthPark Center features a magnificent backdrop of art, architecture and landscaping for the enjoyment of its discerning customers. You will discover works by Andy Warhol, Frank Stella, Joel Shapiro, Jim Dine, Jonathan Borofsky, James Rosenquist, Antony Gormley, Barry Flanagan, Beverly Pepper and Mark di Suvero among others.

NorthPark Center also offers dozens of restaurant options from contemporary dining to gourmet on the run – and the state-of-the-art AMC NorthPark 15 is Dallas' premier movie-watching destination, with luxury finishes and premium formats.

Dallas CityPASS is a booklet of admission tickets to 4 must-see tourist attractions in Dallas. You'll save 41% compared to combined regular box office prices! CItyPASS Dallas gives you admission to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Reunion Tower Geo-deck. Then you can choose between the Dallas Zoo or The Sixth Floor Museum and lastly visit either the George W Bush Presidential Library & Museum or Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.

Right now Adults ages 13+ pay only $44 and Children ages 3–12 pay $30. Buy online at www.citypass.com or at any CityPASS attraction for the same low price.

It’s convenient as you get all your attraction tickets in one easy purchase. Plus you save time as you skip most ticket lines with your CityPASS. CityPASS is as flexible as your trip – it is perfect for a weekend but is valid for up to 9 days.

No wonder 12 million CityPASS booklets have been sold to travellers to the various destinations on offer and 97% of users would recommend CityPASS.

Rev up your curiosity and put your brain into overdrive at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science! Where else can you race against a virtual T. rex, touch a tornado or do battle in a remote-control robot arena? With 11 hands-on exhibit halls to explore and a cutting-edge 3D theater, the Perot Museum offers a full day of discovery.

From 470 feet up, you’ll experience breathtaking 360-degree views, high-definition zoom cameras, interactive touch screens, telescopes, photo ops and an indoor/outdoor observation deck that lets you see for miles in any direction. Day or night, make the iconic Reunion Tower your first stop to explore fun things to see and do in Dallas.

Highlights

Free high-definition telescopes on the outdoor deck or zoom cameras on the inner deck allow guests unobstructed close up views of favorite Dallas landmarks and sights.

Interactive touch screens called the Halo allow you to create your own lightshow and view past shows

You'll be amazed by the 360-degree day or night breathtaking views up to 32 miles – including Fort Worth.

Free digital photo allows you to choose from six different backgrounds that you can email or post to your friends and family.

The Dallas Zoo is the largest zoological experience in Texas! With 106 acres to explore, thousands of animals to visit, a huge variety of family activities, and an unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation, the Dallas Zoo is enormously entertaining!

Go on an urban safari where you can feed giraffes and watch elephants and other animals interact in a natural savanna setting. Discover the only koalas in Texas. Explore hands-on activities with your little ones in the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo. Enjoy wildlife shows and close encounters with a variety of animals.

The goal of the zoo is to make your visit an exciting adventure with opportunities to learn about interesting wildlife, engage in interactive fun, and support worldwide conservation and research to protect and preserve endangered species.

Highlights

The Dallas Zoo was founded in 1888, making it the first zoological park in the Southwest region of the United States.

The park covers 106 developed acres! In terms of landmass, it’s the largest zoological park in Texas.

The Zoo provides care for a wide variety of animals and is involved in conservation and breeding programs for numerous endangered species.

The Dallas Zoo is widely recognized for the Giants of the Savanna exhibit, the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo, the Wilds of Africa with the Monorail Safari, and the Jake L. Hamon Gorilla Conservation Research Center.

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza presents an exhibition exploring the life of President John F. Kennedy, his presidency, his tragic death in Dallas and the aftermath of his assassination, all within the context of presidential and contemporary history.

Highlights

The Museum’s permanent exhibit is located on the sixth floor of the former Texas School Book Depository where significant evidence of a sniper was found.

The exhibit presents hundreds of historic television and radio broadcasts, films, photographs and artifacts to tell the story of President Kennedy’s assassination.

The sniper’s perch and the area where a rifle was found remain preserved as they appeared on November 22, 1963.

Also on display is a scale model of Dealey Plaza created by the FBI, and interactive touchscreens show the motorcade route in Dealey Plaza.

America’s 13th Presidential Library and Museum is located in Dallas. With its state-of-the-art interactive exhibits, the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum gives visitors an in-depth look at eight years of Presidential history.

Just minutes from downtown Dallas, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a world-class, 66-acre urban oasis that attracts over 978,000 visitors annually. Featuring 19 finely manicured gardens, seasonal festivals and activities, a robust plant trials program, adult and youth education programs, and a new 8-acre Children’s Adventure Garden, there is truly something for everyone at the Arboretum.

Highlights

The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden is an 8-acre, hands-on, interactive children’s learning garden with more than 150 exhibits designed to increase learning and education in youth.

The Lay Family Garden is a newly redesigned 2.2-acre garden on the north end of the property. Featuring Texas limestone waterfalls, a grotto with a 12-foot waterfall and a Koi pond, this popular garden was one of the first named gardens of the Arboretum.

Crape Myrtle Allee is one of the most photographed gardens – it’s a popular spot for family photos and engagement/wedding photos and leads to Toad Corners, a popular water feature.

The Trial Gardens were created for the purpose of expanding research efforts and providing information to the public. Between 3,000 and 5,000 plants are trialed yearly from over 150 plant breeding companies.

Named one of the "Best Botanical Gardens in the U.S." by the Travel Channel.

Named one of the "America’s Best Pumpkin Festivals" by Fodor’s Travel.

Experience one of the Top 10 Places that Makes You Say "Ahh" – USA Today

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